If you or your child have symptoms of pink eye, chances are you want it treated as soon as possible. After all, even though most cases resolve on their own, pink eye is highly contagious and can cause painful or annoying symptoms.
When you think of quick ways to get care, urgent care might be at the top of your list. But in most cases, there are faster and more affordable ways to get the pink eye treatment you need. Keep reading to learn how to quickly get care for pink eye that can help you or your child feel better, sooner.
You can usually skip urgent care for pink eye and start with virtual options
Pink eye has distinct visual symptoms, so it’s generally easy for doctors and clinicians to diagnose without an in-person visit. By using one of the following types of visits, you can quickly get a treatment plan for pink eye.
E-visits can provide quick pink eye care for ages 12 months and older
For adults and children over 12 months old, an e-visit for pink eye is usually the quickest and most affordable way to get the treatment you need. To complete an e-visit through HealthPartners, you just need to sign in to your online account, answer a few questions, and upload a photo or two. If you don’t have one, it’s easy to create an account.
You’ll typically receive a treatment plan within a few hours. If a prescription is needed – for instance, antihistamines for viral pink eye or antibiotics for bacterial pink eye – we’ll send it to the pharmacy of your choice.
Video visits for pink eye are a great option for ages 3 months and older
If you want to speak face-to-face with a doctor without going to a clinic, a video visit with a primary care doctor is the way to do it. You’ll be able to discuss your symptoms and ask questions if you have any. And if the doctor needs a clearer view, you can share a photo through your online account. A video visit can usually get you in front of a primary care doctor with a same-day or next-day appointment.
Virtual care isn’t an option for infants under 3 months old
Babies under 3 months old need to be seen in person for any pink eye symptoms because infections at this age can affect a baby’s vision or health if left untreated.
Go to urgent care or see a doctor in person for pink eye symptoms that are serious or don’t go away
While e-visits and video visits can treat most instances of pink eye, you should get in-person care as soon as possible if your pink eye symptoms come with any of the following:
- Fever, chills or sweating
- Headache
- Significant eye pain or pain when moving your eye
- An eye that’s very red or has a lot of discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Swelling or redness around your eye
- Symptoms that don’t start improving within three days or get worse over time
In-person care is also needed if:
- You wear contact lenses
- You have a weakened (suppressed) immune system
- An infant under 3 months old has pink eye symptoms
At HealthPartners, in-person primary care appointments are often available on the same day you’re scheduling or the day after. If you feel there’s too long of a wait or you need care when primary care clinics are closed, find an urgent care location near you.
Whether your pink eye needs urgent care or an e-visit, help is available
If you or your child has a red, itchy or crusty eye, there’s a good chance that a virtual care option like an e-visit or video visit can help you get fast relief from pink eye symptoms. They’re both great options for making the recovery process as short and comfortable as possible.
But babies under 3 months old or children and adults with more serious pink eye symptoms should be seen in person. At HealthPartners, in-person primary care appointments are often available on the same day or next day. And if you need care sooner than primary care can provide it, urgent care is ready for you.